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Sun claimed that the X8420 posted three world record
SPEC benchmark
scores, including a record score for the eight-core OMP2001 test designed to
measure performance in multi-processor units.

The server also came out top in the x86 category of the SPEC CPU2006 tests
designed to measure the two types of computing functions commonly performed by
processors.

Sun credits much of the performance gain to the I/O system, which carries
data to and from the CPU, allowing for up to 16 times more throughput than other
four-socket systems.

The company also rolled out the
Sun
Refresh Service aimed at keeping blade system hardware up to date by
allowing companies to purchase the hardware on a subscription basis.

The customer purchases a blade system from Sun and can have the blade server
modules replaced over a 42-month period with the newest models up to three
times. After the subscription period ends, the customer keeps the server as-is.

Sun hopes that the service will encourage customers to purchase new blade
systems without fear of the servers being made obsolete by faster, more
efficient machines a few months later.